The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.

This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/

Pro-Troop Non-Profits WE Support

Giftcards

Shadow of the Sword

SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.

Combat Optical

Ad

Meta Tags & Counters

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Department of State Warnings on Iraq Travel

IRAQ August 30, 2010 THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers inherent in travel to Iraq and recommends against all but essential travel to the country given the fluid security situation. Despite improvements in the security environment relative to prior years, Iraq remains dangerous and unpredictable. Foreign nationals and their facilities, as well as Government of Iraq officials and buildings continue to be targeted. Such attacks can occur at any time. Kidnappings still occur, with the most recent kidnapping of a U.S. citizen occurring in January 2010. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs), and mines are placed on roads, concealed in plastic bags, boxes, soda cans, dead animals, and in other places to blend with the road. Suicide attacks continue to occur. Grenades and explosives have been thrown into vehicles from overpasses and placed on vehicles at intersections, particularly in crowded areas. Rockets and mortars have been fired at hotels and at the International Zone, and vehicle-borne IEDs have been used against targets throughout the country. U.S. Government personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain areas of the country due to prevailing security conditions. When traveling outside the International Zone and outside secure facilities, U.S. Government personnel are required to be escorted by a personal security detail at all times. The Embassy has also directed U.S. Government personnel traveling within the International Zone to be accompanied by at least one other person and to carry a radio or cell phone.

In addition to terrorist and criminal attacks, sectarian and insurgent violence occurs often, particularly in the areas of Mosul and Kirkuk. Additionally, unmarked minefields remain in areas along the international border. The Governments of Turkey and Iran continue to carry out military operations against insurgent groups in the mountain regions. These operations include troop movements and both aerial and artillery bombardments.

There is nobody better at protecting you than yourself. Travelers are urged to take personal responsibility for their own safety. Take some time before travel to improve your personal security—things are not the same everywhere as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: The U.S. Government is supporting Iraqi authorities to strengthen law enforcement and civil structures throughout the country. A recent trend of complex attacks involving small arms fire, suicide bombers, and/or Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) to conduct criminal acts such as the robbing of financial facilities and markets indicates that travelers should exercise caution at these venues. Petty theft is common in Iraq, including thefts of money, jewelry, or valuable items left in hotel rooms and pick-pocketing in busy places such as markets. Carjacking by armed thieves is very common, even during daylight hours, and particularly on the highways from Jordan and Kuwait to Baghdad. Foreigners, especially dual American-Iraqi citizens, and Iraqi citizens are targets of kidnapping. The kidnappers often demand money but have also carried out kidnappings for political/religious reasons. Many hostages have been killed.

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION

In 2005, Iraqi citizens adopted a new constitution and participated in national parliamentary elections to create a permanent, democratic government, and in May 2006, a new Government of Iraq (GOI), led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, was sworn in. In late January 2009, Iraqi citizens elected new members for a majority of provincial councils. A bilateral security agreement, which came into effect on January 1, 2009, now governs the presence of U.S. Forces in the country. The United States also signed a Strategic Framework Agreement with Iraq, which governs all bilateral relations in general. On March 7, 2010, Iraqi citizens participated in a new round of parliamentary elections. Former Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s al-Iraqiyya party won 91 seats, with current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition party winning 89 seats. Following an April 2010 recount, the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court certified the results without changes. Four months after the election, Iraq had not yet formed a new government, and both major parties were pursuing coalition arrangements.

The Government of Iraq (GOI) has made significant political, economic, and security progress in recent years, but Iraq still faces many challenges. Those challenges include overcoming three decades of war and government mismanagement that stunted Iraq's economy; sectarian and ethnic tensions that have slowed progress toward national reconciliation; and ongoing, albeit decreasing, criminal and terrorist violence. The decrease in the number of insurgent attacks and overall improvements in security have spurred new economic growth in Iraq. However, conditions in Iraq remain dangerous. While Iraqi security forces now take the lead in providing security, U.S. Forces – Iraq (USF-I) continue to assist and to train, equip, and advise Iraqi Security Forces. By the end of 2011, all USF-I personnel will withdraw from Iraq. The work week in Iraq is Sunday through Thursday. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Iraq for additional information.

Comments

Department of State Warnings on Iraq Travel

IRAQ August 30, 2010 THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens of the dangers inherent in travel to Iraq and recommends against all but essential travel to the country given the fluid security situation. Despite improvements in the security environment relative to prior years, Iraq remains dangerous and unpredictable. Foreign nationals and their facilities, as well as Government of Iraq officials and buildings continue to be targeted. Such attacks can occur at any time. Kidnappings still occur, with the most recent kidnapping of a U.S. citizen occurring in January 2010. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs), and mines are placed on roads, concealed in plastic bags, boxes, soda cans, dead animals, and in other places to blend with the road. Suicide attacks continue to occur. Grenades and explosives have been thrown into vehicles from overpasses and placed on vehicles at intersections, particularly in crowded areas. Rockets and mortars have been fired at hotels and at the International Zone, and vehicle-borne IEDs have been used against targets throughout the country. U.S. Government personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain areas of the country due to prevailing security conditions. When traveling outside the International Zone and outside secure facilities, U.S. Government personnel are required to be escorted by a personal security detail at all times. The Embassy has also directed U.S. Government personnel traveling within the International Zone to be accompanied by at least one other person and to carry a radio or cell phone.

Afghanistan

Google

Delta Bravo Sierra

Volume 1

For a few bucks more you can get a signed copy from the author himself! http://www.deltabravosierra.us/2011/02/10/a-word-about-the-new-book/comment-page-1/#comment-3383
Get your copy of this legendary cartoon now (or wait a few days for the signed copy!)

Amazon Electronics

Profound Classics

Ace Of Spades: Why Language MattersIn this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.